Get to know me
I didn’t really want to be an actuary, but I knew I was good at mathematics and I could make a lot of money. My goal was pursuing a comfortable life. After applying to a couple PhD programs to further my education, I was ready to finish my senior year of college in 2013.
In between my graduate level statistics courses and independent study of general relativity, the college-age ministry I was leading at Capital City Christian Church studied a book (Deep & Wide) that brought us to a revelation: we needed to step into a new level of leadership.
My senior year of college was spent championing our college-age ministry’s brand new contemporary service. We introduced the church to theatrical lighting, a blacked-out stage and loud music. That’s all a contemporary service is right? Oh, don’t forget the haze.
I found that designing a worship service, ministering to people, leading volunteers and growing a ministry was much more fulfilling than mathematical modeling. I found myself in a real dilemma. Do I pursue this passion, or do I pursue comfort?
After graduation, the grad school rejection letters rolled in (and one acceptance - shout out Eastern Illinois!). When one opportunity is gone, another usually appears. Just days later, I accepted an internship offer at my home church. The leadership asked me to help fill the holes - so I found the biggest needs and tackled them.
I learned the arts of graphic design, print production, video editing and photography. I created our first social media accounts and updated our website. Over the years, I introduced the church to online giving and in 2015, I ushered our church into the world of live streaming services.
Some of my skills
Customer Service & Relations
Project Management (from concept to completion)
Task Prioritization & Organization
Team Leadership
Adaptability
Live Video Production
Live Streaming (software & hardware encoders, RTMP streaming, stream hosting)
Relationship Management and Collaboration
Full Adobe Creative Suite
Photography (specializing in event & stage photography)
Video Production (script writing, directing and editing)
Social Media Marketing & Management
Email Marketing
Website Design
Copywriting
Able to Excel with Strict Deadlines
Live Platform Presentations
Time Management
What I’ve been doing
Marketing Manager | Wilson Nurseries + Sage Garden Café | 09/2020 - Current
Marketing, Leadership, Human Resources, Tech Support, Occasional Barista + Brunch Cook, and Loving It
Communications Director | Capital City Christian Church | 05/2013 - 07/2020
Leadership, Relationshship Management, Interpersonal Skills and Collaboration
Served as the primary contact point for guests and members when interacting with Capital City
Led and trained team of 20+ volunteer photographers, videographers and online hosts for events and weekly services
Coordinated with vendors to produce various marketing and production deliverables
Implemented and managed live chat on website to facilitate visitor conversions
Managed follow-up protocol for “customer” interactions (member emails, information requests, prayer & pastoral concerns, etc...)
Set and managed a yearly communications budget (~$16,000)
Technical Skills
Purchased and installed equipment for live video and streaming
Casted vision for direction of videography and photography
Quoted tiered pricing for live streaming, video, and digital marketing projects
Maintained, did troubleshooting, and trained volunteers on photo, video, and streaming software and hardware
Co-Produced and Edited a weekly, episodic video series (Drink Run Devos) Marketing
Marketing
Planned, scripted, directed and edited videos weekly for various targeted audiences
Designed and maintained Capital City’s website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)
Designed and managed weekly email campaigns
Coordinated and executed all marketing efforts in both traditional and new media
Managed and protected Capital City’s online presence including traditional website and social media
Crafted vision for how guests and members interact with Capital City’s “corporate” presence
Served as primary brand protector and advocate
Developed and produced all print and digital deliverables
Started and led the growing digital ministry - how Capital City acts as the Church in the 167 hours beyond a Sunday morning service
Coordinated with Worship Minister as the Creative team - crafting unique and interactive worship services
Developed Capital City’s brand strategy and communications manual
Tutor & Teaching Assistant | Kentucky State University | 08/2011 - 05/2013
Broke down challenging concepts and made them easier to understand for students
Tutored mathematics students at the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) from remedial mathematics to graduate level statistics
Conducted group tutoring sessions with as many as 10 students taking the same course
Crafted individual sessions tailored to each student’s personal needs and learning styles
Served as a teaching assistant for several introductory mathematics courses at Kentucky State University, occasionally led individual tutoring in that capacity as well as grading all assignments.
Patient Access Registrar | Frankfort Regional Medical Center | 06/2010 - 08/2011
Served as patients’ first interaction with Frankfort Regional Medical Center during a visit and delivered excellent service
Registered all patients in the Emergency Room during nights and weekends
Delivered information about consent forms and living wills
Processed insurance and payment information
Where I learned how to learn
Bachelor of Arts: Actuarial Science | Kentucky State University | 01/2011 - 05/2013
A BA in Actuarial Science is a pure mathematics degree with a focus on statistics including some tailored courses about probability, finance and insurance. I also had several electives including a particularly trying two-semester course on general relativity.
Associate in Science : Mathematics | Bluegrass Community & Technical College | 08/2009 - 05/2011
While earning my Associate in Science, I took decidedly inter-disciplinary elective courses including astronomy, political science, microeconomics and computer programming.
I’ve been on a life-long journey of learning. I’m ready to adapt to any challenge that may lie ahead.
Clifton StrengthsFinder
The Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment is a test developed by Gallup Education, which provides an individual with their strengths. People commonly speak of their “Top 5” strengths. Here are my top 5:
Empathy : People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ lives or others’ situations.
Restorative : People who are especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.
Individualization : People who are especially talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.
Developer : People who are especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements.
Responsibility : People who are especially talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
DiSC Assessment
The DiSC assessment is a tool used for discussion of people's behavioral differences. The DiSC model provides a common language that people can use to better understand themselves and to adapt their behaviors with others.
My DiSC style is a “High I, High S” which is commonly called the “Coach.” Coaches are adept at solving "people problems." They are seen as warm, empathetic and insightful. They like to form extended personal relationships and often develop a reputation for unobtrusive, contributory efforts when working with others.
Let’s talk
I’d love to chat with you about how I can bring value to your organization and become an influential part of your growing team.